By Carl Pruit
California's Big Sur offers visitors a close-up view of natural wonders and wildlife.
Visit Big Sur, California, if you're looking for a place to get away from the city and to enjoy the beauty of nature. The Big Sur area is a great place from which to watch native California wildlife, like the protected California condor and Pacific Ocean marine life. You also can enjoy wildflowers and forests on this stretch of rugged California coastline. Big Sur is also a
romantic place to stay, with accommodations ranging from rustic cabins to luxury
resorts.
Fernwood Resort
The Fernwood resort offers you the comfort of staying in a cozy resort as well as the adventures of rustic outdoor recreation. It is an all-inclusive resort, featuring a 12-room motel and a private campground for those who want to experience the great outdoors. There are also RV hookups at the resort, a general store to pick up supplies, a restaurant, tavern and even an espresso bar. There are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy within the redwood forest behind the resort and along the rugged coastline in front of you. You can enjoy hiking through the forest trails, volleyball and horseshoes. Head down to the coast and enjoy a day of relaxing at the beach. The Fernwood Resort is located on Highway 1, next to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Fernwood Resort
47200 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
831-667-2422
fernwoodbigsur.com
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Located just three miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, the Point Lobos State Reserve is an amazing place from which to view wildlife in its native environment. From the reserve you may be able to view sea lions, whales and condors. You can also see many varieties of plant life native to California's Pacific Coast. This stretch of coastline has been the subject of many paintings, photographs and nature studies, as well as the setting for numerous films. Point Lobos also provides guided nature walks and a tour of the Whaler's Cabin Museum. Scuba diving is possible in some designated areas of the reserve. There is a vehicle fee for entering the reserve, and once the park is full, there is a one-car-in, one-car-out policy to prevent overcrowding.
Point Lobos Foundation
Highway 1
Carmel, CA 93923
866-338-7227
pointlobos.org
Sierra Mar Restaurant at the Post Ranch Inn
Dine at one of the most awe-inspiring and scenic restaurants in California -- the Sierra Mar Restaurant at the Post Ranch Inn. This award-winning restaurant features windows looking out over the Pacific Ocean and delicious world-class fare. The menu showcases organic, seasonal foods from the region, created by Executive Chef Craig von Foerster, who has been preparing his special meals here since 1998. In 2003, the Sierra Mar was named first in California for its cuisine by the Zagat rating guide. The Sierra Mar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is located next to the Post Ranch Inn on Highway 1 just 30 miles south of Carmel.
Sierra Mar Restaurant
Post Ranch Inn
47900 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
831-667-2200
postranchinn.com
Resources
About the Author:
Carl Pruit has been a freelance writer since 2005, specializing in service journalism and travel. His work has appeared on various websites. Born and raised in California, Pruit attended Contra Costa Community College in San Pablo, Calif. and received an associate degree in the administration of justice.
Photo Credits:
Big Sur image by Jean-Marc Angelini from
Fotolia.com
